The IS 2547 Part 1 (1976) standard outlines the essential criteria for gypsum building plasters, excluding premixed lightweight variants. It details the chemical makeup, physical characteristics, classification, sampling methods, and testing procedures to ensure consistent quality for various plaster types such as Plaster of Paris, retarded hemihydrate, and Keene's plaster used in construction.
Overview
The IS 2547 Part 1 (1976) standard outlines the essential criteria for gypsum building plasters, excluding premixed lightweight variants. It details the chemical makeup, physical characteristics, classification, sampling methods, and testing procedures to ensure consistent quality for various plaster types such as Plaster of Paris, retarded hemihydrate, and Keene's plaster used in construction.
Audience
Contents
Structure
This section defines the physical criteria and testing techniques applicable to gypsum plasters, excluding premixed lightweight varieties.
Rounding of Test Data:
Test outcomes are rounded following IS 2-1960, maintaining the required significant digits.
Evaluation of Results (Clause 6.4.1):
For parameters like setting time, transverse strength, and residue on 1.18 mm sieve, calculate average (X) and range (R), then verify compliance using:
[ X - 0.4R \geq \text{minimum limit} \quad \text{and} \quad X + 0.4R \leq \text{maximum limit} ]
| Parameter | Specification Range or Maximum Limit |
|---|---|
| Setting Time (minutes) | |
| - Plaster-sand blend | 120 - 900 |
| - Pure plaster | 20 - 40 (depending on type) |
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm²) | Minimum 5 to 14* |
| Soundness | No cracking, popping, or pitting |
| Mechanical Resistance (Indentation diameter) | 3 - 4.5 mm (varies by plaster type) |
| Residue on 1.18 mm sieve (%) | Maximum 1.0 - 5.0 |
| Expansion on Setting (%) | Maximum 0.2 to 0.5 (measured at 24 to 96 hours) |
*Strength and mechanical resistance values differ according to plaster type.
flowchart LR
A[Sample Testing] --> B[Compute Average (X) and Range (R)]
B --> C{Verify Limits}
C -->|X - 0.4R >= Min Limit| D[Pass Lower Bound Check]
C -->|X + 0.4R <= Max Limit| E[Pass Upper Bound Check]
| Property | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Time (minutes) | |||
| - Plaster with sand mixture | 120 - 900 | 120 - 900 | - |
| - Pure plaster | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 |
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm²) | ≥ 5 | ≥ 14* | - |
| Residue on 1.18 mm sieve (%) | ≤ 5.0 | ≤ 1.01 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Expansion on setting (%) | - | ≤ 0.20 (24 hours) | ≤ 0.5 (96 hours) |
| Soundness | No cracking, popping, or pitting in set plaster for all types. |
This summary encapsulates core definitions, formulas, and physical property requirements. For detailed test procedures, refer to IS 2542 (Part 1)-1964.
| Property | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Time (minutes) | |||
| - Plaster with sand mixture | 120 - 900 | 120 - 900 | - |
| - Pure plaster | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 |
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm²) | ≥ 5 | ≥ 14 | - |
| Residue on 1.18-mm sieve (%) | ≤ 5.0 | ≤ 1.01 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Expansion on Setting (%) | - | ≤ 0.20 (24 hours) | ≤ 0.5 (96 hours) |
| Soundness | No cracking, popping, or pitting in set plaster pats. |
flowchart TD
A[Test Results: Setting time, Strength, Residue] --> B[Calculate Average (X) and Range (R)]
B --> C[Evaluate X + 0.4R and X - 0.4R]
C --> D{Check Limits}
D -->|Complies| E[Pass Classification]
D -->|Fails| F[Fail Classification]
| Component | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate | Anhydrous Gypsum | Keene's Plaster | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO3 (% by mass, minimum) | 35 | 35 | 40 | 47 | IS 1288-1973 |
| CaO (% by mass, minimum) | Two-thirds of SO3 content | Two-thirds of SO3 content | Two-thirds of SO3 content | Two-thirds of SO3 content | IS 1288-1973 |
| Soluble Magnesium Salts (as MgO, max %) | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | Appendix A |
| Soluble Sodium Salts (as Na2O, max %) | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | Appendix A |
| Loss on Ignition (% max) | 9 (min 4) | 9 (min 4) | 3 | 2 | Appendix B |
| Free Lime (% minimum) | - | ≥ 3 | - | - | Appendix C |
| Property | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate | Keene's Plaster | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Time (minutes, neat plaster) | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 | IS 2542 (Part 1)-1964 |
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm², min) | 5 | 14 | - | IS 2542 (Part 1)-1964 |
| Soundness | No cracking, popping or pitting (all types) | Same | Same | |
| Residue on 1.18 mm sieve (% max) | 5.0 | ~1.0 | 1.0 |
| Parameter | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Time (minutes) | |||
| - Plaster-sand blend | 120 - 900 | 120 - 900 | - |
| - Pure plaster | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 |
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm²), min | 5 | 14* | - |
| Soundness | No cracking, popping, or pitting in set plaster for all types | Same as Plaster of Paris | Same as Plaster of Paris |
| Mechanical Resistance (Indentation Diameter) | - | 3 mm to 4.5 mm | ≤ 3.5 mm |
| Residue on 1.18 mm IS Sieve (%) max | 5.0 | Approximately 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Expansion on Setting (%) max | - | 0.20 at 24 hours | 0.5 at 96 hours |
| Component | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate | Anhydrous Gypsum | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO3 (%) minimum | 35 | 35 | 40 | 47 |
| CaO (%) minimum | Two-thirds of SO3 | Two-thirds of SO3 | Two-thirds of SO3 | Two-thirds of SO3 |
| Lot Size (Number of Packages) | Number of Samples to Select |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 3 |
| 101 to 150 | 4 |
| 151 to 300 | 5 |
| 301 to 500 | 7 |
| Above 500 | 10 |
flowchart TD
A[Lot of Packages] --> B[Determine Size of Lot]
B --> C{Lot Size Range}
C -->|Up to 100| D[Select 3 Packages]
C -->|101-150| E[Select 4 Packages]
C -->|151-300| F[Select 5 Packages]
C -->|301-500| G[Select 7 Packages]
C -->|Above 500| H[Select 10 Packages]
D & E & F & G & H --> I[Random Selection per IS 4905-1968]
I --> J[Test Each Sample Individually]
J --> K[Round Results as per IS 2-1960]
| Lot Size (Packages) | Number of Samples to Draw |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 3 |
| 101 to 150 | 4 |
| 151 to 300 | 5 |
| 301 to 500 | 7 |
| Over 500 | 10 |
flowchart TD
A[Production of Gypsum Plaster] --> B[Ensure Dry, Lump-Free Material]
B --> C[Pack in Airtight Containers]
C --> D[Label with Manufacturer and Product Details]
D --> E[Sample Selection Based on Lot Size]
E --> F[Conduct Testing on Samples]
F --> G{Are Test Results Acceptable?}
G -- Yes --> H[Optionally Mark with BIS Standard]
G -- No --> I[Reject the Lot]
A lot is deemed conforming when both conditions in Clauses 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 are fulfilled:
| Parameter | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Time (minutes) | |||
| - Plaster-sand blend | 120 - 900 | 120 - 900 | - |
| - Pure plaster | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 |
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm²) | ≥ 5 | ≥ 14 | - |
| Soundness | No cracking, popping, or pitting | Same | Same |
| Mechanical Resistance | Indentation diameter > 4 mm | 3 - 4.5 mm | ≤ 3.5 mm |
| Residue on 1.18 mm sieve (%) | ≤ 5.0 | ≤ 1.01 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Expansion on Setting (%) | - | ≤ 0.20 (24 h) | ≤ 0.5 (96 h) |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Test Gypsum Plaster Lot] --> B[Calculate Average (X) and Range (R)]
B --> C[Check if X - 0.4R ≥ Min Limit]
B --> D[Check if X + 0.4R ≤ Max Limit]
C & D --> E{Both Conditions Met?}
E -- Yes --> F[Lot Conforms]
E -- No --> G[Lot Does Not Conform]
| Parameter | Maximum Allowed (%) | Method Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Soluble Magnesium Salts (as MgO) | 0.3 | Appendix A |
| Soluble Sodium Salts (as Na2O) | 0.3 | Appendix A |
| Plaster Type | SO3 (%) Min | CaO (%) Min (2/3 of SO3) | MgO Max (%) | Na2O Max (%) | Loss on Ignition Max (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plaster of Paris | 35 | 2/3 of SO3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 4 - 9 |
| Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum | 35 | 2/3 of SO3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 4 - 9 |
| Anhydrous Gypsum Plaster | 40 | 2/3 of SO3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 3 |
| Keene's Plaster | 47 | 2/3 of SO3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 2 |
This test ensures gypsum plaster purity and quality by limiting soluble salt content.
LOI represents the percentage weight loss when a sample is heated to a specified temperature, indicating moisture, volatile substances, and carbonates.
LOI Limits (% by mass) from Table 1 (Clause 4.1):
| Plaster Type | LOI Max (%) | LOI Min (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Plaster of Paris | 9 | 4 |
| Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum | 9 | 4 |
| Anhydrous Gypsum Plaster | 3 | - |
| Keene's Plaster | 2 | - |
flowchart LR
A[Prepare Sample] --> B[Weigh Sample]
B --> C[Heat to Specified Temperature]
C --> D[Cool and Weigh Residue]
D --> E[Calculate LOI = ((Initial - Final) / Initial) × 100]
E --> F{Check if Within Limits}
F -->|Yes| G[Accept Sample]
F -->|No| H[Reject Sample]
| Property | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster | Anhydrous Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO3 (% by mass, minimum) | 35 | 35 | 40 | 47 |
| CaO (% by mass, minimum) | Two-thirds of SO3 | Two-thirds of SO3 | Two-thirds of SO3 | Two-thirds of SO3 |
| Free lime (% minimum) | - | ≥ 3 | - | - |
[ \text{Free Lime %} = \frac{\text{ml of HCl used} \times 0.37}{\text{sample weight (g)}} \times 100 ]
This procedure ensures gypsum plaster durability and adherence to IS 2547 Part 1.
Frequently Asked
Under IS 2547 Part 1 (1976), the chemical composition requirements for gypsum building plasters are detailed in Table 1, Clause 4.1. Key limits include a minimum SO3 content of 35% for Plaster of Paris and Retarded Hemihydrate Plaster, 40% for Anhydrous Gypsum, and 47% for Keene's plaster. Calcium oxide must be at least two-thirds of the SO3 content. Maximum allowable soluble magnesium and sodium salts (as MgO and Na2O) are 0.3%. Loss on ignition ranges between 4% to 9% for Plaster of Paris and Retarded Hemihydrate, with lower maxima for Anhydrous Gypsum (3%) and Keene's plaster (2%). Free lime content is specified as a minimum of 3% only for retarded hemihydrate gypsum plaster. These limits ensure the purity and performance of gypsum plasters used in construction.
IS 2547 Part 1 (1976) categorizes gypsum plasters based on setting time, strength, and residue on a 1.18-mm sieve. The primary classes include Plaster of Paris (POP), Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster, and Keene's plaster. Retarded Hemihydrate is further subdivided into Type I undercoat plasters such as browning and metal lathing plasters, and Type II final coat plasters like finish and board finish plasters. Keene's plaster is intended solely for finishing coats. This classification assists in selecting the appropriate plaster type tailored to specific construction applications, particularly distinguishing between base and finishing layers.
IS 2547 Part 1 outlines physical property requirements and setting durations for gypsum plasters. Plaster of Paris typically sets within 20 to 40 minutes (neat plaster) and 120 to 900 minutes when mixed with sand. Retarded Hemihydrate plasters have longer setting times, ranging from 60 to 180 minutes neat, with similar sand mixture times. Keene's plaster setting time varies from 20 up to 360 minutes. Transverse strength minimums are 5 kg/cm² for Plaster of Paris and 14 kg/cm² for Retarded Hemihydrate. Mechanical resistance is assessed via indentation diameter: 3 to 4.5 mm for Retarded Hemihydrate and up to 3.5 mm for Keene's plaster. Soundness requires no disintegration, popping, or pitting across all types. Residue on a 1.18 mm sieve should not exceed 5% for Plaster of Paris and about 1% for other types. Expansion on setting is limited to 0.2% at 24 hours for Retarded Hemihydrate and 0.5% at 96 hours for Keene's plaster.
To verify conformity under IS 2547 Part 1, sampling must be random and statistically representative, adhering to IS 4905-1968 guidelines. Sample sizes depend on lot size, ranging from 3 packages for lots up to 100 packages, up to 10 for larger lots. Each selected package is homogenized separately, and samples are stored in dry, airtight containers. Testing involves evaluating setting time, transverse strength, and residue on a 1.18 mm sieve for each sample independently. Results are rounded as per IS 2-1960. A lot is accepted if the average and range of test values meet specified limits as defined in Clause 6.4.1, ensuring reliable quality control.
IS 2547 Part 1 permits only specific additives that serve functional purposes without compromising plaster quality. These include agents for controlling setting time such as sodium citrate, keratin breakdown products, potassium sulphate, sodium sulphate (introduced in the 1995 amendment), alum, and zinc sulphate. Additives enhancing workability like alkyl-aryl sulphonates are allowed. Additionally, nitrates and nitrites of alkali metals may be used to provide anti-corrosion or fungicidal effects. These additives ensure improved performance while maintaining compliance with purity and strength standards.
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